HaGal Sheli

CHW SUPPORTS SOCIAL SERVICES

HaGal Sheli

For over a decade, HaGal Sheli (My Wave) has empowered and educated over 15,000 at-risk youth nationwide to conquer life’s challenges by harnessing the transformative power of surfing, fostering personal growth, resilience, and success.

In the aftermath of the attacks on October 7, HaGal Sheli launched an emergency trauma intervention program to prevent the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among affected individuals.

Since the start of the war, HaGal Sheli has provided critical care to over 2,700 individuals affected by the attacks, including displaced communities from the Gaza Envelope and Northern Israel, released hostages, evacuees, survivors of the Nova Music Festival, soldiers, reservists, and their families.

Tools from the Waves

“Tools from the Waves” is HaGal Sheli’s emergency trauma intervention program, developed to address acute trauma in those most profoundly affected by the tragedy. The program is an adapted version of HaGal Sheli’s pre-existing PTSD therapy program. The program utilizes surfing as a therapeutic tool to mitigate the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among this vulnerable demographic. This unique initiative utilizes surfing as a powerful therapeutic tool, complemented by the expertise of a dedicated team of educators, clinical psychologists, and social workers.

With a focus on the present—emphasizing the “here and now” through surfing, individuals are able to strengthen their sense of control amid uncertain conditions in the sea and release pent-up energies. They also benefit from group support, and experience success by overcoming the challenges of surfing. Nature therapy is an integral part of the healing process, fostering both physical and mental recovery.

Certified surf instructors lead each weekly session throughout the program, supported by trauma specialists, clinical psychologists, educators, and mentors.

CURRENT PROJECT:

10 new surf therapy groups

Israel faces a severe mental health crisis and the healthcare system is extremely overwhelmed. In answer to this problem, HaGal Sheli plans to open over 96 new trauma groups in 2025 while maintaining existing ones, enabling them to provide critical support for over 5,500 participants. This includes at-risk youth, evacuees, reservists, and families rebuilding their lives across Israel. CHW will fund 10 new surf therapy groups, each serving an average of 15 participants (150 trauma survivors in total) from communities across Israel, including the Western Negev, central, and northern regions. This support will strengthen and expand HaGal Sheli’s impact.

The Long-Term Impact of HaGal Sheli’s Therapy Program:

HaGal Sheli’s long-term approach ensures that participants are equipped to handle future stressors and continue progressing toward a life not dominated by trauma.